I know of many Mechanics that live in the DFW area that did not move when the base was closed. I also know of guys that live in TPA that commute to ATL each week for work.
There are even some guys that two leg commute from TPA and DFW to GDL (MMGL) to work on our over site of the M88 heavy mtc done my AeroMexico. There are guys that would like this.
It is just not limited to the pilots.